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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8284 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 16, 2024

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Srinath Question by Srinath on Apr 16, 2024Hindi
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I am 31 years old and I want to invest 50K each in 2 ELSS funds through SIP. Can you guide me 2 ELSS funds which are the best one to invest and my equity risk appetite is high. My aim is get 1 Cr from the two funds in next 4-5 years

Ans: For a high-risk appetite and a 4-5 year horizon, you can consider diversified ELSS funds known for consistent performance and managed by experienced professionals. Look for funds with a track record of outperforming their benchmarks and peers. Always remember to monitor your investments regularly and consult a financial advisor for personalized advice.
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8284 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 14, 2024

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I'm 26 years old and want to invest 50 k each in two ELSS schemes as a SIP to achieve a corpus of 1 cr. Is my strategy right? Or if there is a change can you please guide me accordingly. I've close to 10 lacs in FDs
Ans: Your aspiration to build a corpus of 1 crore through ELSS SIPs is commendable. However, let's evaluate your strategy and explore potential adjustments to optimize your investment approach.

Assessing Your Strategy
ELSS SIPs:
Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS) offer the twin benefits of tax savings under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act and potential for wealth creation through equity exposure. Investing 50,000 each in two ELSS schemes through SIPs is a proactive step towards your financial goals.

Existing FDs:
Having close to 10 lakhs in FDs indicates a conservative investment approach. While FDs provide stability, their returns may not be sufficient to achieve long-term wealth creation goals, especially considering inflation and taxes.

Suggested Adjustments
Diversification:
Consider diversifying your investment portfolio beyond ELSS and FDs. While ELSS SIPs offer the potential for high returns, they also carry market risks. Diversification across asset classes like equity, debt, and real estate can help mitigate risk and optimize returns.

Review FD Allocation:
Reevaluate the allocation of your FDs. While FDs provide liquidity and stability, consider whether tying up a significant portion of your savings in low-yield investments aligns with your long-term wealth creation goals. You may explore gradually reallocating a portion of your FDs towards higher-yielding investment avenues.

Regular Review:
Periodically review your investment portfolio to ensure alignment with your financial goals, risk tolerance, and market conditions. As your financial situation evolves, be prepared to make necessary adjustments to optimize returns and minimize risk.

Alternative Investment Options
Since you're open to suggestions beyond ELSS and FDs, here are a few alternatives to consider:

Equity Mutual Funds:
Apart from ELSS, explore other equity mutual fund categories such as large-cap, mid-cap, and multi-cap funds to diversify your equity exposure further.

Debt Mutual Funds:
Consider allocating a portion of your portfolio to debt mutual funds for stability and regular income. Debt funds invest in fixed-income securities like bonds and provide relatively lower but steady returns compared to equity.

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs):
SIPs offer the benefit of rupee-cost averaging and disciplined investing. You can explore SIPs in both equity and debt mutual funds to maintain a balanced portfolio.

Conclusion
While your strategy of investing in ELSS SIPs is a step in the right direction, consider diversifying your portfolio and reviewing your FD allocation to optimize returns and mitigate risks. A balanced approach tailored to your financial goals and risk profile will enhance your chances of achieving long-term wealth creation.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8284 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 06, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 30, 2024Hindi
Money
I am 42 and have one son with my wife. Holding salary of 60000/- monthly in hand. Have investments in two ELSS scheme one is ?500 every month and other ?8000 lumpsum for 3 years. Regularly invest in NPS ?1000 monthly. Holding SGB Bonds value ?38000/-.I want to invest ? 5000 monthly in SIP for long tenure of 17 years. Pls suggest
Ans: You are 42, have a son, and a monthly salary of Rs. 60,000. You already invest in ELSS schemes, NPS, and SGB Bonds, and now you want to invest Rs. 5000 monthly in SIP for 17 years. Here’s a comprehensive plan to guide you towards your financial goals.

Understanding Your Financial Situation

Let’s break down your current financial status and future investment plans:

Monthly Salary: Rs. 60,000
ELSS Investments: Rs. 500 monthly and Rs. 8000 lumpsum for 3 years
NPS Investment: Rs. 1000 monthly
SGB Bonds: Rs. 38,000 value
New SIP Investment: Rs. 5000 monthly for 17 years
Step 1: Assessing Your Financial Health

First, evaluate your monthly expenses and savings.

Monthly Income: Rs. 60,000
Essential Expenses: Calculate monthly living costs including household expenses, child’s education, and other necessary expenditures.
Current Savings and Investments: Summarize your existing investments in ELSS, NPS, and SGB Bonds.
Step 2: Building an Emergency Fund

Before investing, ensure you have an emergency fund covering 6-12 months of expenses.

Emergency Fund: Save Rs. 3-6 lakhs in a liquid fund for emergencies.
Step 3: Managing Existing Investments

Review your existing investments to ensure they align with your financial goals.

ELSS Schemes: Continue with your current ELSS investments for tax-saving benefits.
NPS: Your Rs. 1000 monthly contribution in NPS is good for retirement planning.
SGB Bonds: Hold onto your SGB Bonds for gold investment benefits and interest income.
Step 4: Investing in SIP for Long-Term Growth

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) in mutual funds are ideal for long-term wealth creation. They offer the power of compounding and professional management.

Advantages of SIPs in Mutual Funds

Disciplined Investing: Regular investments instill discipline.
Rupee Cost Averaging: Invests in different market conditions, reducing risk.
Compounding: Reinvested returns generate more returns over time.
Diversification: Invests in a variety of assets, reducing risk.
Choosing the Right Mutual Funds

Select a mix of equity and debt funds to balance risk and returns.

Equity Funds: High returns but higher risk. Suitable for long-term goals like retirement and child’s education.
Debt Funds: Lower risk and returns. Good for stability and short-term goals.
Hybrid Funds: Mix of equity and debt. Moderate risk and returns.
Creating a Diversified SIP Portfolio

Equity Funds: Invest 60-70% in diversified equity funds. Focus on large-cap and multi-cap funds for stability and growth.
Debt Funds: Invest 20-30% in debt funds for stability. Consider corporate bond funds or gilt funds.
Hybrid Funds: Invest 10-20% in hybrid funds for balanced risk and returns.
Step 5: Setting Up Your SIP

Start a SIP of Rs. 5000 monthly in a diversified portfolio of mutual funds.

Monthly SIP Amount: Rs. 5000
Step 6: Regularly Review Your Investments

Monitor your investments to ensure they are on track.

Annual Review: Assess your portfolio’s performance annually.
Rebalancing: Adjust the allocation if needed to maintain the desired risk level.
Step 7: Tax Planning

Optimize your investments for tax efficiency.

ELSS Funds: Continue with ELSS for tax benefits under Section 80C.
Other Tax-Saving Instruments: Consider PPF, EPF, and NPS for additional tax benefits.
Step 8: Planning for Child’s Education

Ensure you have a plan for your child’s higher education. Set aside a separate fund for this purpose.

Children’s Education Fund: Invest in child-specific mutual funds or a combination of equity and debt funds based on the time horizon.
Step 9: Retirement Planning

Your retirement plan should be robust to ensure you maintain your lifestyle post-retirement.

Retirement Corpus Goal: Rs. 1 crore
Investment Strategy: Continue investing in a mix of equity and debt funds.
Retirement Accounts: Contribute to EPF, PPF, and NPS for additional retirement savings.
Step 10: Insurance

Ensure you have adequate insurance coverage to protect your family.

Life Insurance: Adequate term insurance to cover liabilities and provide for your family.
Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance to cover medical expenses.
Final Insights

Creating a robust financial plan is essential for long-term financial stability and achieving your goals. Here’s a summary of your action plan:

Action Plan Summary

Assess Expenses: Calculate monthly expenses and savings.
Emergency Fund: Set aside Rs. 3-6 lakhs.
Manage Existing Investments: Continue with ELSS, NPS, and SGB Bonds.
SIP Investments: Start a monthly SIP of Rs. 5000 in diversified mutual funds.
Review Investments: Regularly review and rebalance the portfolio.
Tax Planning: Optimize investments for tax efficiency.
Education Planning: Create a separate fund for your child’s education.
Retirement Planning: Continue building your retirement corpus.
Insurance: Ensure adequate life and health insurance coverage.
By following this comprehensive plan, you can achieve your long-term financial goals and ensure a secure future for yourself and your family.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Radheshyam

Radheshyam Zanwar  |1561 Answers  |Ask -

MHT-CET, IIT-JEE, NEET-UG Expert - Answered on Apr 24, 2025

Career
Sir my daughter is doing Btech EEE at BIT Mesra Patna campus , she is securing 8 CGPA there . She is little bit upset due to poor placement there , what to do
Ans: Hello Alok.
Nothing will happen with an upset mood, and there is no point in blaming the institute at this stage. It is better to search for another path while completing the B.Tech. @ BIT Mesra. Here are a few suggestions for your daughter: (1) Start preparing for the GATE exam, which opens the doors for MTech at IITs/NITs or PSU jobs (like BHEL, NTPC, ONGC). (2) Focus on GRE and MBA (3) Join online Platforms: Coursera, NPTEL, Udemy, LinkedIn for advanced learning techniques related with EEE and CSE (4) Focus on Off-Campus Job Preparation, in which she can prepare for Aptitude, Coding, Core concepts etc (5) While in final year, create accounts on LinkedIn, Indeed, AngelList, naukri.com etc/ (5) If possible, join CDAC (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing) offer excellent 6-month PG diplomas with placement support (great ROI).(6) Talk to seniors/alumni for realistic inspiration and off-campus job guidance. (7) Consider a mock placement drive or aptitude training course in the final year.
Best of luck to your daughter for her upcoming bright future.
Follow me if you like the reply. Thanks
Radheshyam

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |4455 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Apr 23, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 23, 2025
Career
My daughter 90percentile in jee mains 2025,and puc board exam 95.6 percentage and kcet is 101 marks we are obc ncl and catgory 1 reservation can we get nit surathkal college for admission or other top 3 college in bangalore and she want to take jee advance 2025 , which branchas scope and high package
Ans: As far as KCET is concerned,? here are the some approximate expected KCET opening and closing ranks for the OBC-NCL category across four top engineering colleges in Bengaluru:?

RV College of Engineering (RVCE)
Computer Science & Engineering: Opening – 2,000 | Closing – 3,000
Electronics & Communication Engineering: Opening – 2,500 | Closing – 3,500
Electrical & Electronics Engineering: Opening – 3,000 | Closing – 4,500
Mechanical Engineering: Opening – 4,000 | Closing – 6,000
Civil Engineering: Opening – 5,000 | Closing – 7,000?

BMS College of Engineering (BMSCE)
Computer Science & Engineering: Opening – 2,500 | Closing – 4,000
Electronics & Communication Engineering: Opening – 3,000 | Closing – 5,000
Electrical & Electronics Engineering: Opening – 4,500 | Closing – 6,500
Mechanical Engineering: Opening – 6,000 | Closing – 8,000
Civil Engineering: Opening – 7,000 | Closing – 9,000?

M S Ramaiah Institute of Technology (MSRIT)
Computer Science & Engineering: Opening – 2,200 | Closing – 3,800
Electronics & Communication Engineering: Opening – 3,500 | Closing – 5,500
Electrical & Electronics Engineering: Opening – 5,000 | Closing – 7,000
Mechanical Engineering: Opening – 6,500 | Closing – 8,500
Civil Engineering: Opening – 7,500 | Closing – 9,500?

Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering (DSCE)
Computer Science & Engineering: Opening – 3,000 | Closing – 5,000
Electronics & Communication Engineering: Opening – 4,500 | Closing – 6,500
Electrical & Electronics Engineering: Opening – 6,000 | Closing – 8,000
Mechanical Engineering: Opening – 7,500 | Closing – 9,500
Civil Engineering: Opening – 8,500 | Closing – 10,500?

Note: The above ranks are indicative and based on available data for the OBC-NCL category. Every year, actual cutoffs may vary based on factors like seat availability, reservation policies, and candidate preferences.

?Regarding the chances of getting seats through JEE/JoSAA Counselling, here is, How to Predict Your Chances of Admission into NIT or IIIT or GFTI After JEE Main Results – A Step-by-Step Guide.

Providing precise admission chances for each student can be challenging. Some reputed educational websites offer ‘College Predictor’ tools where you can check possible college options based on your percentile, category, and preferences. However, for a more accurate understanding, here’s a simple yet effective 9-step method using JoSAA’s past-year opening and closing ranks. This approach gives you a fair estimate (though not 100% exact) of your admission chances based on the previous year’s data.

Step-by-Step Guide to Check Your Daughter's Admission Chances Using JoSAA Data
Step 1: Collect Your Daughter's Key Details
Before starting, note down the following details:

Her JEE Main percentile
Her category (General-Open, SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, PwD categories)
Her Preferred institute types (NIT, IIIT, GFTI)
Her Preferred locations (or if you're open to any location in India)
List of at least 3 preferred academic programs (branches) as backups (instead of relying on just one option)
Step 2: Access JoSAA’s Official Opening & Closing Ranks
Go to Google and type: JoSAA Opening & Closing Ranks 2024
Click on the first search result (official JoSAA website).
You will land directly on JoSAA’s portal, where you can enter your details to check past-year cutoffs.
Step 3: Select the Round Number
JoSAA conducts five rounds of counseling.
For a safer estimate, choose Round 4, as most admissions are settled by this round.
Step 4: Choose the Institute Type
Select NIT, IIIT, or GFTI, depending on your preference.
If your daughter is open to all types of institutes, check them one by one instead of selecting all at once.
Step 5: Select the Institute Name (Based on Location)
It is recommended to check institutes one by one, based on your preferred locations.
Avoid selecting ‘ALL’ at once, as it may create confusion.
Step 6: Select her Preferred Academic Program (Branch)
Enter the branches you are interested in, one at a time, in your preferred order.
Step 7: Submit and Analyze Results
After selecting the relevant details, click the ‘SUBMIT’ button.
The system will display Opening & Closing Ranks of the selected institute and branch for different categories.
Step 8: Note Down the Opening & Closing Ranks
Maintain a notebook or diary to record the Opening & Closing Ranks for each institute and branch you are interested in.
This will serve as a quick reference during JoSAA counseling.
Step 9: Adjust Your Expectations on a Safer Side
Since Opening & Closing Ranks fluctuate slightly each year, always adjust the numbers for safety.
Example Calculation:
If the Opening & Closing Ranks for NIT Delhi | Mechanical Engineering | OPEN Category show 8622 & 26186 (for Home State), consider adjusting them to 8300 & 23000 (on a safer side).
If the Female Category rank is 34334 & 36212, adjust it to 31000 & 33000.

Follow this approach for Other State candidates and different categories.
Pro Tip: Adjust your expected rank slightly lower than the previous year's cutoffs for realistic expectations during JoSAA counseling.

Can This Method Be Used for JEE April & JEE Advanced?
Yes! You can repeat the same steps after your April JEE Main results to refine your admission possibilities.
You can also follow a similar process for JEE Advanced cutoffs when applying for IITs.

Want to Learn More About JoSAA Counseling?
If you want detailed insights on JoSAA counseling, engineering entrance exams, preparation strategies, and engineering career options, check out EduJob360’s 180+ YouTube videos on this topic!

Hope this guide helps! All the best for your daughter's admissions!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know more on 'Careers | Health | Money | Relationships'.

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |4455 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Apr 23, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 23, 2025
Career
I got 98.02%ile in JEE MAINS session 2 . (EWS) Can I get TOP NIT (CSE) ?? EWS RANK 4146
Ans: Here is, How to Predict Your Chances of Admission into NIT or IIIT or GFTI After JEE Main Results – A Step-by-Step Guide.

Providing precise admission chances for each student can be challenging. Some reputed educational websites offer ‘College Predictor’ tools where you can check possible college options based on your percentile, category, and preferences. However, for a more accurate understanding, here’s a simple yet effective 9-step method using JoSAA’s past-year opening and closing ranks. This approach gives you a fair estimate (though not 100% exact) of your admission chances based on the previous year’s data.

Step-by-Step Guide to Check Your Admission Chances Using JoSAA Data
Step 1: Collect Your Key Details
Before starting, note down the following details:

Your JEE Main percentile
Your category (General-Open, SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, PwD categories)
Preferred institute types (NIT, IIIT, GFTI)
Preferred locations (or if you're open to any location in India)
List of at least 3 preferred academic programs (branches) as backups (instead of relying on just one option)
Step 2: Access JoSAA’s Official Opening & Closing Ranks
Go to Google and type: JoSAA Opening & Closing Ranks 2024
Click on the first search result (official JoSAA website).
You will land directly on JoSAA’s portal, where you can enter your details to check past-year cutoffs.
Step 3: Select the Round Number
JoSAA conducts five rounds of counseling.
For a safer estimate, choose Round 4, as most admissions are settled by this round.
Step 4: Choose the Institute Type
Select NIT, IIIT, or GFTI, depending on your preference.
If you are open to all types of institutes, check them one by one instead of selecting all at once.
Step 5: Select the Institute Name (Based on Location)
It is recommended to check institutes one by one, based on your preferred locations.
Avoid selecting ‘ALL’ at once, as it may create confusion.
Step 6: Select Your Preferred Academic Program (Branch)
Enter the branches you are interested in, one at a time, in your preferred order.
Step 7: Submit and Analyze Results
After selecting the relevant details, click the ‘SUBMIT’ button.
The system will display Opening & Closing Ranks of the selected institute and branch for different categories.
Step 8: Note Down the Opening & Closing Ranks
Maintain a notebook or diary to record the Opening & Closing Ranks for each institute and branch you are interested in.
This will serve as a quick reference during JoSAA counseling.
Step 9: Adjust Your Expectations on a Safer Side
Since Opening & Closing Ranks fluctuate slightly each year, always adjust the numbers for safety.
Example Calculation:
If the Opening & Closing Ranks for NIT Delhi | Mechanical Engineering | OPEN Category show 8622 & 26186 (for Home State), consider adjusting them to 8300 & 23000 (on a safer side).
If the Female Category rank is 34334 & 36212, adjust it to 31000 & 33000.

Follow this approach for Other State candidates and different categories.
Pro Tip: Adjust your expected rank slightly lower than the previous year's cutoffs for realistic expectations during JoSAA counseling.

Can This Method Be Used for JEE April & JEE Advanced?
Yes! You can repeat the same steps after your April JEE Main results to refine your admission possibilities.
You can also follow a similar process for JEE Advanced cutoffs when applying for IITs.

Want to Learn More About JoSAA Counseling?
If you want detailed insights on JoSAA counseling, engineering entrance exams, preparation strategies, and engineering career options, check out EduJob360’s 180+ YouTube videos on this topic!

Hope this guide helps! All the best for your admissions!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know more on 'Careers | Health | Money | Relationships'.

...Read more

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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